Kirby and the Rainbow Curse Reviews
Ten years later, this frustrating follow-up to Canvas Curse feels shallow and soulless by comparison.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse oversimplifies its mechanics, making for an experience alternating between frustrating and dull.
Don't let Rainbow Curse's relatively small length put you off; it's a sublime experience that completely washes its hands of the padding most games employ to justify a retail release. If you're used to finishing games out of a sense of weary obligation, expect to be pleasantly surprised when this latest Kirby spin-off leaves you fully satisfied by the end of its final level.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse shines because it's a simple game that delivers superbly on a simple concept. You're repeating many of the same actions again and again, but with each new stroke it feels more refined, more graceful.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon: a pleasant roll through a gorgeous world, with some novel concepts, and one of the most beautiful games the Wii U has yet seen. However charming the game may be, Rainbow Curse is a few strokes from greatness: overly repetitive mechanics, underused ideas, and a failure to integrate its clay theme into gameplay in any meaningful way keep it from reaching the lofty heights to which it potentially could. Well crafted, but not a masterpiece.
It may not be Kirby's most triumphant outing, but Rainbow Curse is still an entertaining ride. The abundance of ideas and charming look trump the few but severe shortcomings. Once again Kirby does something a little different, and we're certainly glad he did.
Rainbow Curse is a little on the short side, but that also means it doesn't overstay its welcome. At seven worlds consisting of four stages apiece, it can be finished relatively quickly. It feels like a nicely complete package regardless, especially when you factor in challenge stages, collectibles like Elline's diary, and the multitude of hard-to-reach treasure chests.
It's a game that has a little something for everyone, all without compromising its unyielding, unique, and undivided attention on its mission to blast pure adorableness into the world in all directions. If Kirby and the Rainbow Curse doesn't make you smile, you may need to see a doctor for that.
With a handmade look, and a different approach to platforming, Rainbow Curse is one of Kirby's strongest spin-offs, and one of the best uses of the Gamepad to date.
Bright, colorful worlds brought to life by a unique art style, coupled with challenging, diverse gameplay highlights yet another successful Kirby spin-off that is as good or better in many ways than its predecessor.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is a brisk, gorgeous platformer that has no qualms with taking off the training wheels.
Rainbow Curse is different from any other platformer out there. I got frustrated by Kirby's insistence on staying rolled into a ball, but plenty of moments of innovation and fun appear throughout
Overall, however, Rainbow Curse is another solid entry in the Kirby series. If you're looking for a game to play with kids and family or simply want to indulge a charming platformer that's different from most entries in the series, Rainbow Curse will be for you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a man card to track down.
Innovative gameplay, but too short and not enough story for me to give a better score.
Rainbow Curse is another successful Kirby oddity. While it lost some of Canvas Curse's features, it makes up for it with a fanciful, clay-based art style. The multiplayer is also a nice touch. It's also nice to see a Wii U game that actually uses the GamePad's features, something that's becoming a rarity.
A happy platforming game that appears to be made out of clay and has just one odd design flaw.
Honestly, as much as I did enjoy the gameplay in Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, it would be difficult to really recommend buying it at full price. Not because it's a low quality title, but because of the low amount of replayability and extra content.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse has its moments, but is ultimately marred by frustrating controls and questionable game design.
Another great platformer that takes full advantage of the Wii U's GamePad. Every Wii U owner should buy this game as soon as possible.